The in-form Japanese team proved to be way too good for underdogs Singapore yesterday. After defeating an inexperienced Australian team in straight sets on the opening day, the Japanese girls allowed the Singaporeans only 23 points in the 25-11 25-3 25-9 victory.

With straight two wins in the 12-team preliminaries, Japan will have a rest day today but are assured of the top spot in Group C and a place in the quarter-finals.

Thailand's team also did well yesterday. Fresh from winning the South East Asian Women's Junior Volleyball Championship in Kamphaeng Phet three days ago, the local girls crushed New Zealand 25-13 25-9 25-11.

It was the Thai team's second win in the championship after they annihilated Sri Lanka on the opening day. Thailand now top Group A and have not dropped a set.

"New Zealand were not too strong. They made too many unforced errors, especially on receiving the first ball," said Thai coach Pollawat Toomanee.

"On Wednesday we take on the Group C runners-up, which could be Australia. I don't think we will have any trouble beating them."

New Zealand coach Stewart Henderson admitted the Thai team have improved.

"They played much better than they did in their previous match against Sri Lanka," he said. "We proved no match against them.

"This is our first Asian Championship and my girls started nervously." Meanwhile, India suffered two straight losses in Group B, while South Korea whipped Indonesia in Group D.

The final group round-robin preliminaries will be played today, with Singapore taking on Australia, Taiwan playing South Korea, Sri Lanka meeting New Zealand, while reigning champions China face Vietnam.

Preechachan  Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima